POWERHOUSE lock Izak van der Westhuizen has signed for Edinburgh from South African Super 15 side Free State Cheetahs.

The 26-year-old, who is 6ft 5in and weighs 18 stones, has signed a two-year deal with the RaboDirect Pro12 side.

The lineout specialist made his Super Rugby debut in 2010 and has started all 12 of his club's matches this season after overcoming a groin problem that kept him out for much of last year.

Van der Westhuizen, who will arrive in October, said: "I want to test myself against the top players in Europe so when I found out Edinburgh Rugby were looking for a player with my skill-set, I was desperate to sign.

"I like the pace the boys play with, it's very similar to a Super Rugby style which gives me a lot of confidence that I'll fit in well.

"I run the set-piece for the Cheetahs but, when the ball's in play, I like to be in the centre of the park getting stuck into the physical side of the game and hitting rucks."